Highlights and Achievements of the Nolan County Sheriff's Office and Jail in 2025

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff James E. Villanueva, announces key accomplishments and milestones from 2025. The year brought strengthened public safety programs, operational improvements, successful investigations, expanded community outreach, and investments in training and technology that together enhanced service to Nolan County residents.

Key 2025 highlights.

From January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office conducted 658 traffic stops and handled approximately 5,812 calls for service throughout the county.

• New job skills training for inmates

  • A job skills training program has been implemented in the Nolan County Jail to improve reentry outcomes for inmates. The program focuses on practical, marketable skills that increase employability upon release and reduce the risk of recidivism.

• Upgraded behavioral health and life-saving training for staff

  • All Nolan County Jail staff completed updated Crisis Intervention and general behavioral health training in partnership with West Texas Centers for Mental Health and Mental Retardation (West Texas Centers for MHMR). Staff also received current First Aid and CPR certification to ensure staff can respond effectively to medical and behavioral health emergencies.

• Successful Texas Commission on Jail Standards inspection

  • The Nolan County Jail passed its annual inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards with no deficiencies noted, reflecting the facility’s compliance with state standards for safety, operations, and inmate care.

• Streamlined inmate healthcare partnership

  • Nolan County has partnered with Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital (RPMH) to provide inmate healthcare. This partnership streamlines medical care, improves service continuity, and is expected to reduce taxpayer costs associated with outside medical care.

• Enhanced supervision: addition of the Corporal rank

  • A new Corporal position has been added to the jail’s rank structure, so each shift has a dedicated supervisor. This promotes consistent oversight, improves staff coordination, and strengthens day-to-day operations.

• Courthouse safety upgrades

  • A state-of-the-art panic button system was installed in the Nolan County Courthouse. The system includes alert capabilities to ensure rapid, coordinated responses during critical incidents.

• Full patrol staffing and 24-hour coverage

  • As of December 14, 2025, the Patrol Division is fully staffed with deputies. This allows 24-hour patrol coverage across the county, enabling deputies to respond immediately to calls for service and increase proactive patrol presence to deter crime.

• Jail menu revamp to control costs

  • The jail menu has been revised to reduce food costs while continuing to meet Texas state nutritional requirements for inmates.

• New body armor for sworn personnel and a New Fingerprint System for the Jail

  • With support from the Nolan County Commissioners Court, brand-new body armor has been purchased for all sworn personnel, increasing officer safety on patrol. They also funded the purchase of a new Mentalix fingerprint system for the jail, replacing an older, outdated version.

• Energy-efficiency improvements

  • Work has begun to retrofit lighting throughout the facility, replacing halogen and fluorescent fixtures with energy-efficient LED lighting. This project is expected to lower utility costs and reduce maintenance needs.
    

“Every step we’ve taken reflects our commitment to public safety, responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds, and the fair, humane treatment of individuals in our care,” said James E. Villanueva, Nolan County Sheriff. “These investments in training, staffing, facilities, and partnerships make Nolan County safer and more efficient.”

“We appreciate the cooperation of our community partners the Nolan County Commissioners, Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital, and West Texas Centers in helping us deliver better services,” the Sheriff added.

Through professional policing, effective corrections management, community partnerships, and careful fiscal stewardship, the office works to maintain a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors.